2023 was a pivotal year for us as we finalized our strategic plan, highlighting our three-year focus and ambition. This annual report is a testament to the collective efforts and achievements of our team as we advocated for and supported out-of-school time for young people in Washington.
2022 was a critical year for
supporting youth programs as they continued to navigate pandemic
challenges while returning to a new normal. As providers stretched to
support the mental, physical, and social health and wellbeing of
Washington’s children and young people, SOWA was there with
responsive coaching and training, grant funding, and advocacy.
At SOWA and in programs across the state, our path and purpose are becoming clearer. Systems and structures to support this powerful but still-emerging and underinvested-in sector are taking shape. Through shared vision and purpose, connection, community, and persistence, we are creating equitable pathways for thriving youth across this beautiful state.
In a year like no other, we saw how youth workers and organizations came together and reimagined what it meant to support children, youth, and families. In this annual report, we captured some of those incredible stories.